Solar Power Systems

• Why install a solar power system? The benefits of a solar power system are many and include:

1. Save money on your electricity bill immediately. You will save from reduced energy consumption the instant that your solar system is installed. You also have the potential to benefit from the sale of excess solar power produced above your consumption.
2. Help minimise the impact of planned future electricity price rises.  The price of electricity WILL rise. It is not a question of IF, but rather, WHEN and BY HOW MUCH?
3. Increase the resale value and resale-ability of your home.
4. Reduce your carbon foot print and help make the world a cleaner greener place for our children.

• Why Australian made Silex panels?  Silex panels are manufactured in the old BP factory in Sydney using high quality materials. SilexSolar announced on 17 August 2011 that they were ceasing production of the CELLS for their solar panels ONLY. Current information indicates that the rest of the Silex production plant will continue to operate as usual - i.e: that Silex will still produce and assemble the other components and assemble the panels. The  soon to be imported cells are only part of the entire panel.  The Silex panels perform very well, are designed to last and their warranty comes from a solid reputable company. We, and our customers alike, continue to be impressed with the Silex panels' performance.  Silex panels have a 10 year manufacturers warranty - these panels are designed and made to last!  With a 25 year performance guarantee,  they are also guaranteed to output at least 80% of their capacity after 25  years.  Make the most of limited roof space with 265W Silex panels. Available NOW available.  Take a look at Silex web site www.silexsolar.com
 
• What makes the Electrical Sensations solar systems different?   We don't have pushy salespeople who are motivated solely by the commission they receive. We have qualified experienced solar power professionals who actually carry out the work and KNOW what they are talking about.   There are 4 areas qualities that make Electrical Sensations the logical choice when 'going solar' 
1. Quality Australian made panels - Silex panels perform very well and are very sturdy in construction. The panels are backed by a solid Australian company.
2. Proven reliable inverters - We choose to install either the Italian Power One Aurora or German SMA inverters.  SMA (Sunny Boy) are the largest manufacturer  of solar PV inverters in the world and Power One (Aurora) are the second largest.  Both the Sunny Boy and Aurora inverters performance' is outstanding and their reliability is beyond repute. For some homes the Aurora is most suitable for others the SMA suits best.
3. Superior UV rated (not standard PVC) cable and connectors - To use any other gear is to compromise not only the performance, but the life of the system.
4. Experienced team of professionals with extensive industry experience - with close to 400 solar power systems installed on the Darling Downs, our team have the experience and expertise to design and install a system to suit YOUR needs.

• What does 'grid connected' mean? Grid connected means that the solar power system is connected to the 'electricity grid'. This allows for excess power produced by your solar power system to be sold back to the electricity supplier (such as Ergon).  Under current pricing arrangement with Ergon, you buy electricity at 22.759c per kwh, but sell back your excess production at 44c per kwh.  NOTE that in Qld your electricity supplier only purchases back the EXCESS of your production ABOVE what you are consuming - this is known as the 'net feed in tariff'. 

• Do I need any other contractor?  No! As full electrical contractors, Electrical Sensations carries out all the necessary work for grid-connection - there is no need for another contractor.  The only other thing that needs to happen is for Ergon/Energex to change your meters over to bi-directional meters. This can only be carried out by the electricity supplier and there is currently no charge for this.  The moment the Electrical Sensations team have completed the installation, you are generating electricity and saving money.  BEWARE COMPANIES WHO QUOTE A PRICE THAT 'does not include connection to the grid'.

• Are there rebates available for the installation of a solar power system? When a solar power system is installed, the owner 'creates' a certain number of Small Technology Certificates (STCs - also preferred to as RECs).  These STCs are then redeemed through a broker, which significantly reduces the cost of the solar power system.  From 1 July 2011, the 3 x STCs Multiplier incentive scheme comes into force. That means that for the first 1.5kW of each solar power system installed, you are entitled to create 3 x the number of STCs you normally would. For specific details, call us or refer to www.orer.gov.au and take a look at the Australian governments brochure at: http://www.orer.gov.au/publications/pubs/ORER%20Pamphlet.pdf

 LEDs

• What is a LED? A Light Emitting Diode (LED) contains a semi-conductor chip that emits visible light when a current passes through it. The semi-conductor is encased in an epoxy solution which is either clear or coloured.

• Advantages of LEDs? The advantages of LEDs include:

1. Versatile – LEDs can be used in various forms, in strips either flexible or rigid, singly or in clusters.

2. Extremely long life – quality LEDs are projected to produce a service life of 100,000 hours. This makes them ideal for use in difficult to reach and maintain locations.  You save on maintenance costs and enjoy the consistency of improved reliability.

3. Durable - the epoxy casing of the semi-conductor means the LEDs are extremely durable and shock proof.

4. Energy Efficient – LEDs use around 10% of the power conventional lights, to emit comparable amount of light.

5. Compact – LEDs are small in size and so can be used in many places where conventional lights would not fit.

6. Low heat generation – making them a very safe alternative, efficient (because very little energy is lost as heat) and makes them ideal for illuminating objects that are sensitive to UV light (such as works of art).

7. Any colour combination can be achieved, including white light. Colours can be transitioned at different speeds, from strobing effects to very slow subtle changes.

8. High reliability in difficult conditions.

• Where can LEDs be used? LEDs can be mounted on rigid or fexible tracks, or used in more conventional types of light fittings.
Around the home they are commonly used in downlights, uplights, garden lighting, pool lights, step lights, path lights etc.
LEDs are used increasingly in commercial signage and retail displays.
LEDs are used to create “mood" effects in bars and restaurants, with striking results.
Many traffic lights now use LEDs for their brightness, longevity and energy efficiency.

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Fibre Optic Lighting

• How does fibre optic lighting work? Light is emitted from a bulb, generally halogen or metal halide, contained in a metal enclosure.  Bundles of fibres, similar in appearance to fishing line,  are inserted into the enclosure and the light is passed down the length of the fibre.  Depending on the type of fibre, the light is emitted at the very tip of the fibres or along the full length.

• Where can they be used? Fibre optic lighting is extremely versatile.

Around the home fibre optic lighting is commonly used in to create ‘star scape’ effects in ceilings, ‘liquid water fall’ water features, garden lighting, pool lights, step lights, path lights etc.
Fibre optic lighting is used in commercial signage and retail displays and to create “mood" effects in retail centres, bars and restaurants.
Fibre optic lighting is suited for use in areas where electrical hazards exist (e.g: high voltage switch rooms, mines etc..) where other types of lighting would be unsafe or unsuitable.
Fibre optic lighting is used for illuminating objects that are sensitive to UV light (such as works of art)

• Can I install a star ceiling myself?  Absolutely! We can supply everything you need.

• Are they safe to use in ceilings with insulation? We choose to use Digilin fibres and light sources. Digilin light sources have won design awards and we believe they are the best and safest on the market. During installation it is essential to ensure that there is adequate air flow in the ceiling to avoid over-heating. 

• Are there cheaper star ceiling kits available on the internet? Light sources are the crucial element of fibre optic lighting. We have tested Digilins light sources against several other cheaper versions – simply there is no comparison. The old adage rings true – you get what you pay for….  If you are after stunning effects which people will talk about, Digilin is the answer.

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Customised effects and theme creation

• What ‘effects’ can you create? if you can think of it, we can make it happen. We sell projectors which create a water or fire effect on walls or ceilings for an impressive display. It is even possible to get your company logo or greeting message projected onto floors, walls or ceilings. Slumped acrylic can be used in almost any application to create the illusion of water or glass – this is particularly effective in bars or as a splash back in bathrooms. If you have an idea, no matter how ‘different’ bring it to us and we will create the solution to satisfy your needs.

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Home automation (BTicino and Clipsal C-Bus systems)

• What is home automation? Simply home automation allows you to remotely or automatically control things in and around the home.

• What can you control? Appliances, air conditioning, lighting – both indoor and outdoor, outdoor irrigation, home theatre, blinds and curtains, garage doors, sensor lighting etc... Almost every aspect of your home or business can be automated or controlled.

• Can it be done in any existing premises?  Absolutely!

• Why do it? What are the advantages?

1. The outstanding advantage of home automation is the sheer convenience and practicality it creates. Your home can be programmed so that the everyday things happen automatically without you having to give it a second thought.

2. Flexibility – if circumstances change, settings can be adapted to suit. Both the BTicino and Clipsal C-Bus can be expanded to add extra features as your needs change.

3. Electricity costs can be reduced by using timers, dimmers and lights that turn off when you leave the room.

4. Security – lights can be programmed to automatically turn on and off at given times. You can also turn every light in the house on or off with the touch of a button.

5.  Increased re-sale value of your home - home automation systems increase the resale value and sale-ability of your premises.  People want automation and will pay extra for a home that has it!

6. Fun factor – high tech products are fun to use and share with family and friends.

Central Ducted Vacuum Systems

• How do you measure the power of a ducted vacuum system?  Not all systems are the same... The cleaning power of the Volta motor units should  be measured in “Air Watts" which is a combination of Air Flow and Suction power. Many other brands refer to wattage/horse power which really only indicates the amount of electricity being consumed to operate the motor. Both airflow (litres of air moved per second) and water lift (strength of motor to lift water in a tube to a certain height) need to be good for a system to work satisfactorily. The combination is Suction Power and is termed Air Watts. 

·         • Why Volta?

1. Quiet operation– The Volta units are quieter than a conventional vacuum cleaner due to the positioning of the motor unit out of the living area. Units are fitted with an internal noise reduction kit to reduce motor noise and vibration.
2. Powerful motor units – The Volta units provide greater suction and air flow (measured in air-watts) compared to other brand systems.
3. Automatic dust pan – the ultimate convenience in hard floor areas.
4. Can be installed into an existing house.
5. Virtually no risk of blockages in the pipe work.
6. Outstanding design and construction –  The Volta units are manufactured in USA and have been in Australia for around 30 years.
7. DIY kits available - save money! 

Find out more about Volta ducted vacuum systems

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Data/comms cabling

• Can it be done in existing premises? Absolutely!

• What are the advantages? Networking computers is one of the most common uses for data/comms cabling, and it makes good sense. Many computers can share a single printer or scanner, reducing initial purchase cost and maintenance costs for maintaining multiple pieces of equipment. Many computers can access broadband internet using one broadband point, for a family this is invaluable...